P202-M worth of agri-fishery products seized in Manila
A TOTAL of P202.5 million worth of smuggled farm products in 24 container vans were seized in separate operations at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in January, the Department of Agriculture said yesterday.
The vans with smuggled products were reportedly consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. and Seaster Consumer Goods Trading Inc.
Reports said that from the 24 vans apprehended, nine belonged to Seaster Consumer Goods, which were found to contain fresh red and white onions with a total estimated market value of P77.8 million.
Subsequent operations revealed multi-million smuggled agri-produce by consignee Asterzenmed Inc.
On January 23, three containers carrying fresh yellow onions, red onions, potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes with an estimated market value of P24.4 million were seized.
Another three containers loaded with red onions, imitation crab sticks, and frozen boneless beef, with a total estimated market value of P31 million were also seized.
Another inspection of three Asterzenmed Inc. containers resulted in the confiscation of P24 million worth of red onions and assorted meat products, while P21.5 million worth of smuggled assorted meat products was confiscated from the inspection of three other container vans.
The latest reported operation on January 27, led to the discovery of two container vans containing potatoes and fresh yellow onions with an estimated value of P23.6 million.
The DA said the misdeclared and misclassified goods were seized through the combined efforts of the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement, together with partner agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The goods originated from Hong Kong and China with no Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance.
The DA said the agency had been consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive against agricultural smuggling with the seizure of multi-million worth of agri-fishery products.
President Marcos emphasized on the need to safeguard the welfare of Filipino farmers and fishers and at the same time make locally-grown agricultural produce in the country more competitive which he said can be addressed by fighting smuggling.
